There has been a long-standing battle to address skyrocketing utility costs in our state. Duke Energy, one of the largest energy providers in North Carolina, has been getting pushback from economic and environmental advocates about their 18% rate hike request, a 10.95% request on return on guaranteed profit, and active support of A1 data centers, respectively.
Duke Energy has made $1.6 billion in profits in the first quarter of 2026. Despite these profits, the corporation is requesting an 18% rate hike for consumers. The rate hike would increase monthly bills by $20 to $30 by 2028. Duke Energy is also investing in AI data centers – buildings that are dependent on vast amounts of energy that handle AI infrastructure – that contribute to high utility bills and an increase in carbon emissions.
On June 3rd, Durham County residents, elected officials, and advocates will come together to rally against the harmful rate hike request and host a drag show before the rate hike public hearing at the Durham County Courthouse.
You can find more details below:
Drag Down Our Electric Bills Rally
WHAT: Rally, drag show, and North Carolina Utilities Commission public hearing
WHEN: Wednesday, June 3, Rally & drag show at 5:30 p.m., public hearing at 7 p.m.
WHERE: Durham County Courthouse, 510 S Dillard St, Durham, NC 27701
The rally will also provide public education on the impacts that data centers and the proposed power plants that fuel them have on electric bills.
This rally is especially timely since rate hike public hearings are still happening and 1 in 5 Duke Energy consumers are struggling to pay their utility bills.
Below are the upcoming NC Utilities Commission public hearings about the rate hikes:
June 2nd at 10am: Hearing Room 2115, Dobbs Building, 430 N Salisbury St., Raleigh
June 3rd at 7pm: Durham County Courthouse, 501 South Dillard Street, Durham
July 7th at 10am: Hearing Room 2115, Dobbs Building, 430 N Salisbury St., Raleigh
August 11th at 10am: Hearing Room 2115, Dobbs Building, 430 N Salisbury St., Raleigh
Many North Carolinians are having to choose between putting food on the table and paying their high electric bill. Corporate greed is causing many families to struggle on top of an already high cost of living.
Take action by attending a public hearing and continuing the conversation about the harmful impact of the rate hike request.
